Page 126 of Pretty Thing

“Yes, please,” I say, sitting down.

He holds up a tool.

“This is an oscillating cast saw. It won’t cut your skin, but it is noisy.”

I nod as he gets to work. It doesn’t hurt, but the sound and vibrations bring back memories from the crash. My heart begins to race, and suddenly Felix is there, standing beside me and cradling my head to him like he knew the exact moment it became too much. I breathe in his scent, and there is still a faint smell of smoke on his jacket. I should hate the smell, but it is almost comforting.

“There all done.” My arm is very pale and flaky like it’s diseased. “We’ll do a quick X-ray to make sure it’s healing properly, and then we’ll get you out of here.”

The nurse guides me down the hall to the X-ray machine. After she’s done, we return to the same room.

Doctor Walker struts in and wakes up his computer. I squeeze Felix’s hand as I wait for the all clear.

“It’s looking good. When you get home, soak your arm in warm water for ten to twenty minutes. Repeat that twice a day. Pat dry, then use a generous amount of fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer. Hypoallergenic will work too. Do not scrub, scratch, or pick at the skin,” the doctor orders as he hands me a pamphlet. “If it throbs, elevate it and use an over-the-counter pain med only when needed. Also, you must keep up with your physiotherapy for at least another six to twelve weeks.”

Dr. Walker reminds me of everything to avoid and then disappears out the door.

I’m quiet while Felix helps me get my zip-up hoodie and jacket on like he’s been doing for weeks. We step outside, and I stop. Emotions I’m not expecting slam into me, and I gasp for air.

“What’s wrong,” Felix asks, wrapping his arm around me.

But I don’t know how to answer him.

“It just…it feels like another part of that day is gone. Soon there will be nothing left. My injuries will heal, and how will I remember them?”

“Shh, Eden.”

Felix holds me as I burst into tears that make zero sense even to me. I can’t seem to shake the soul-crushing belief that I’m going to forget my parents. I’m clinging to their memory as tight as I can, but they continue to slip further from my grasp.

“Your phone has photos, right?”

I sniff.

“Yes.”

“Then when we get back to the loft, I’ll download them onto a stick. You can print them and frame them, or make a calendar, or ornaments in their honor. You’ll never forget them, Eden. I’ll help make sure that never happens.”

Felix cups my cheeks and kisses my tears before licking them off his lips. It’s oddly erotic.

“I’ve got you.”

“You’re so amazing. I don’t deserve you. I’m a total wreck. I’ve done nothing with my life. I don’t know what to do now, and everything is just too much. I feel like I’m taking advantage of your kindness.”

“Stop beating yourself up for things out of your control. Look, I know you weren’t sure before, but you can work for me until you know what you want to do. It will help you feel useful, and I can really use the extra set of hands. You already think Matt is great. We’ll make an incredible team.”

“Maybe, especially now after…after the house.” I chew my lip. “I don’t know much about tattoos though.”

“It’s a good thing that you’re dating me. I can answer all your questions. And…” A devilishness infuses his tone. “I’ll give you pop quizzes.”

My eyebrow lifts.

“Is that so? What happens when I get an answer correct?”

His smirk deepens. “I’d worry more about what happens when you get an answer incorrect.” My next breath stills. Felix brushes his lips over mine and then whispers in my ear, “bonus…you can also have me whenever and wherever you want,” he says, punctuating each word.

He doesn’t elaborate, and there’s no need.

“How do I say no to such an enticing offer? I’ll do it.”